Doug Wilson on Handzus: “We’ve seen first-hand what he can do.”

Michal Handzus is back home in Slovakia, so we won’t be hearing from him tonight. But it should be pretty obvious why Doug Wilson signed the now former Los Angeles Kings center to a two-year contract for $5 million.

Wilson was not happy at how the Sharks’ penalty kill had slipped to 24th in the NHL. Handzus had the most short-handed minutes among forwards last season on one of the NHL’s best penalty-killing teams.

He’s also durable. Handzus, 34, played in all 82 games last season, scoring 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists). Over the last four regular seasons with the Kings, he has played in 327 of 328 games.

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In his 12-year career with five NHL teams, he has 435 points. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward also is strong in the face-off circle.

Wilson envisions Handzus manning the third-line center role as Joe Pavelski moves back up to a Top Six forward role.

“He can penalty-kill and play in front of the net on the power play,” Wilson said. “He’s very professional in how he approaches the game. He is an absolute workaholic who is a fitness nut. And we’ve seen first-hand what he can do.”

Helene Elliott, the Los Angeles Times’ excellent hockey writer, has tweeted that the Kings wanted Handzus back, but only for limited minutes. Still, you have to wonder if Handzus slipped away from the Kings while they’ve been focused on chasing free-agent Brad Richards.

Kings have Jarret Stoll as their third line center so there’s no way they were going to pay Handzus $2.5 MM per year in my opinion. He would have been the de facto fourth liner on that club for opening night.

Nice to see the Sharks address their PK needs. Handzus can mop up on the shorthanded unit, and that was San Jose’s biggest key coming into today.

YJohny

Im not sure how good he is shorthanded actually. I know he played a lot for them shorthanded, but is he the reason their PK unit was so good, or was it their stacked defense, coaching, or any other number of variables? I look at him as someone with great size who doesn’t isn’t very physical, good hands, average speed, might fit in well with the Sharks reputation that they don’t play intense enough all the time, because Handzus sort of glides around a lot, and he knows how to backcheck and has been well coached in that area, but I wouldn’t say he has great hockey sense or is very creative.

His size is what will help most. Not sure if he will be the reason for a good PK.

@YJohny: For guys playing over a minute on the Kings PK, Handzus had the second best GAON/60 numbers on the team (only Dustin Brown was better). In other words, he was the second best forward on the team when it came to keeping pucks out of the net. Terry Murray definitely trusted him as well considering he was LA’s highest SH TOI guy throughout the year.

You’re right in saying that he wasn’t the sole reason for their good PK (no player is, their blueline and goaltending had a lot to do with it as well), but he was definitely a big part of it, and definitely the most important of it on the forward end of the ice.

GDub

Would definitely rather have had Bergenheim for a touch more….but overall I like the signing.

As for Vandemeer…I feel like I know nothing about him to make any judgment whatsoever.

Go Patrick Marleau

Mr. Plank,

I thought the sharks pk last year was good but would have lapses in their coverage that lead to goals.

Go Patrick Marleau

I think handzus might be slow and he doenst play like his size. I hope we get rid of Torrey Mitchell and get players that are more qualified to play on a checking line.

hockeyplayer

Yjohny,

well said

GP

GDub,

Hardly any of us know Vandermeer that well. For what I know, he’s a journeyman defenseman that is a stay at home “hitter.” The reason I say him over Huskins is because of those qualities that Kent doesn’t have. It changes the look of the D that MOST here agree was a change needed.

(except for some that can’t stay consistent with their own verbose messages)

hockeyplayer

I think the sharks penalty kill problems had more to do with the coaches changing the style of kill, then the players. For some reason they decided to constantly have 1 forward chasing the puck. Bakes talked about it all year about how they needed to go back to the old system. Once they did, things improved dramatically. Until they ran into the Nucks, they were something like 3 for 30 on the kill in the PO.

GP

The contrast with Huskins to JV, Huskins was more stay at home with a limited offensive upside. I don’t see JV with much offense.

One subject not broached by anyone, I don’t think Huskins injury was ever disclosed. This injury, while may have been heeled enough for him to play in POs and do well, may be one DW and coaches don’t want to manage in the future.

Geri(h)atric

Nice to see someone who can play PK. I mean, in the playoffs we had Dany Heatley out there – and I don’t recall anyone mentioning his great defensive prowess.

This looks like the third in a series of solid moves by the Sharks. I really think losing Malhotra last year hurt the penalty kill a lot more than people give it credit for. Winning over 2/3 of your faceoffs when shorthanded is huge, and can cover for some holes in the defense.

pac northwest

Doug Wilson just can’t cut it as a NHL GM. Why in the world hasn’t he gotten Zdeno Chara from Boston. He should be able to make the deal with a package of Wellwood, White, and a 4th round pick in the 2014 draft. But, no, he just let’s an opportunity like this slide away!

pac northwest

Sorry about the apostrophe.

hockeyplayer

#13 pac northwest

You could have stopped your post at “Doug Wilson just can’t cut it as a NHL GM” and lot’s of people would have agreed with you 😎

GP

pac northwest,

No worries mate, about the catastrophy (sp)! LOL 🙂

hockeyplayer

Oops, in #10 I meant to say Pk was 27 for 30.

pac northwest

I need some help with my post #13. Was it irony, sarcasm, sarcastic irony, or feckless blather?

Z-Man

Definitely sarcasm. Which is great since we never see that on this forum. 🙂

GP

hockeyplayer, you just reminded me of a thought I had during the finals, game 6 I think.

First I have questions.
What was Boston’s PK like during the season? I don’t remember.
What was the ‘Nucks PP like? I think I remember pretty good.

During the POs I remember discussions here with me explaining that Special Teams, PP, PK 4-4, 3-3, was critical to winning a series. The teams that performed better overall usually won. I was pooped on!

In that game (6) I am pretty sure I heard Doc say, Vancouver is 0 for the last 20 on the PP. Ouch!

Likewise, IMO, the defining moment in the WCF was game 4. Sharks went 0-5 on the PPs in the first 23 minutes. Then the ‘Nucks took over the game with converting their PPs.

The stats seem to support a pretty good signing of Handzus based on his role in the Kings PK. And I rememeber the Sharks PK NOT really getting going vs the Kings in the 1st round.

Again, the Genius of Doug Wilson. Those of you who put him down should realize he works 18+hours/day and has forgotten more about hockey than we will ever learn.

GP

He He, it wasn’t “feckless blather” I don’t think but I like that term the best! 😛

PavelskiNolan89

any word in our old captain nolan coming back?

JB

I’m incredibly tired of the “paid-too-much” criticisms that are passed of as insightful analysis of player signings. And some make them automatically after any player is signed. These knee-jerk criticisms fail to discuss how well these players potentially fit into the Sharks roster, or anything else other than how it compared to other deals.
It reminds me of the old expression about those who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

Long Time No Cup

Dear Pac Northwest,

How about excrable tripe?

Oh, sorry. That one’s been taken. In fact, there’s a wait list for the title.

I really enjoyed the straight face you kept through the whole post.

PK

Great signing in Burns, good signing with Handzus, okay signing with Vandemeer. Again, Sharks look good on paper. Hard to get excited though with the same core and the intangibles they lack!

orion981

LTNC: I’m impressed you were able to see his straight face. = )

Beer League Rocks

hockeyrocks
don’t worry about the heat your getting for all of your rosterbations. But maybe you should not do it in front of everyone:-)
Did we get any of your guys. You have a lot to say, maybe you could start your own blog………

Beer League Rocks

Just kidding, sort of, maybe.

Ryan’s Dad

I can’t wait to go to the Tank and yell ZUUUUUUUUUUSSSS when he’s on the ice.

Chico Shark

I for one am glad to see Doug Wilson spending a little cash before the season starts. If he paid a little too much for Hanzus then so be it. Trying to build the team at the trade deadline is effective for the salary cap, but I wonder if it hurts in the lasck of time to assimilate players. I’m glad to see that the defense is set going into the season. This will give them plenty of time to get comfortable with pairings prior to the playoffs.

nostradumba55

Is it twoo we picked up a high priced sports lawyer?

GP

TheOldeReprobate,

Thanks for explaining the “keep the powder dry” reference.

Mallory’s Dad

anything to improve the penalty kill… couver killed us on the pp and then boston made them look impotent

hockeyplayer

GP,

Some stats from the playoffs to support what I said above. Below is the actual numbers for those who care. In games 1 & 2 of the LA series, they used the PK system used to the season and got smoked. LA was 3 for 9. after game 2, they change the PK style and LA went 0 for 16. so for the LA series the PK effectiveness was 88%. Pretty good. The Sharks PP went 4 for 24 or 17%, not very good. Vs Detroit the PK went 24 for 28 or 86%, not bad, while the PP went 5 for 28 or 18%, again not very good. Against the Nucks, PK 15 for 24 or 63%, horrible while the PP went 7 for 22 or 32%.

During the season Van was rated #1 PP. Van #1 PK, Bos #2 PK.

I personally believe it was the Sharks lack of PP during rounds 1 and 2 that killed them. If they score at least 1 PP goalin games 5 or 6 vs Detroit, the series is over in 5 or 6. if they score a PP goal in games 1 or 5 vs LA, series is over in 4 or 5. So, did the PP kill us or did the PP doom us.

I will agree that one of the pivotal moments in game 4 against Vancouver was their inability to score on 5 straight PPs. They score and it is a different game. I think the other major factor against Van is going 7 against Det. If they finish Det off in 6, then they have the legs to finish off game 1 in Van with a win and it is a completely different series.

“Sharks usually look good on paper.” “Would be great to see the translation from paper and pen to results on the ice”….. I just regurgitated what we say every year.

However – This time I’m a little more optimistic. IMHO, on paper, the guys we just picked up look pretty darn good. Maybe these guys can translate their stuff onto the ice and hopefully the rest of the team follows suit.

GSDI

hockeyplayer

#34,

We helped Boston’s PK, as one of the Sedins, Henrik I think, broke his wrist during our series.

Personally, I think anything that drops PMs, JPs, and Boylers ice time is a good move. It would be very nice to have 4 forwards who played the Kill, who’s initials are not PM, JT, JP, DB, or at least limited their Pk time to 1 shift each kill. that is what I liked about Nichol, Wellwood and Mitchell. They kill penalties, with no PP time. I think that 26+ min per game is too much for Boyle with the amount of skating he does. Not the efficient, energy conserving Dman like Lidstrom.

sharkfreak17

Wow. A lot of moves going on today, and I like the things DW did. Thanks, ME!

hockeyplayer

Bit more info on Vandermeer.

This guy has not played an entire NHL season in his career. signed by Phila in 2000 as undrafted player.

He has broken both ankles, left in 09 and right in 07. Has missed at least 4 games every year due to ankle injuries. The list of missed games due to injuries is long. Of course, maybe that is the plan. Let Vandermeer get hurt, place on IR for the year, allow Justin Braun some playing time and have Vandermeer ready for the playoffs. One can only hope DW is that smart.

theOldeReprobate

hockeyplayer re Vandermeer –
Vandermeer is here as the 5/6/7 d-man. He’ll get starts when the Sharks face nasty physical teams like Anaheim, Calgary, Philly. He’ll also play when the Sharks face a team who isn’t especially nasty but has some hit-to-hurt goon like Phx with Rafi Torres.

Other than that he’ll probably play when some d-man needs a ‘maintenance day’. Yes in the meanwhile Braun and Demers will get more regular season experience which may pay dividends in the POs.

No need to freak out over a 5/6/7 d-man/enforcer consuming all of $1M of the cap.

Long Time No Cup

Dear Orion981,

I pay extra for the deluxe WTC subscription so I get to see what all the folks look like as they type.

BWISE

I thought Handzus looked really good in the playoffs versus the Sharks. He was killing the Sharks in the faceoff circle. I think he is a good pickup.

SactoShark

@ probate agreed. This was a good pick up.

If we can move the urban legend, I’ll be happy

Like others, I LOL at everyone always saying DW overpaid.

Particulalry funny when they reference PM, JT, etc all of whom took a paycut from open market to tay with the Sharks.

Pavelski should have a great year next season with these moves.

ZEKE

fwiw, looking ahead to signing Burns and Couture, here’s a quick list of comparable signings so far in the recent days:

mmmm, Brad Richards, tagged as the top forward in this years free agent class, signed with the rangers for 60m for 9 yrs or 6.67 per year.

JT for 7mil or Brad Richards for 6.67?

DW overpays

Jim

The Kings signing of Gagne for 2 million more trumps this move. Gagne would have fit in really well in the top 6 and would have allowed Pav to center one of the deeper third lines in the league. Handzus is not a top 6 guy, he’ll play with Mitchie this year guaranteed. Our offensive depth has taken a real hit with the loss of Seto, and it wont be clear until the season starts and we’re struggling to score goals. Wouldn’t be surprised FA’s are spurning SJ after the way Seto was treated.

Dirty

Kings making me nervioso

Brandon

#46 — I don’t think the signing of Gagne trumps this move. Pavs is a Top-6 forward and belongs there. Also take a look at how many games Gagne has missed in past few years compared to Handzus. He’s a beast. It’ll be good to get some European blood in our forwards as well. As far as I can tell, he’ll be our only European forward. We don’t need goal scorers anymore, we need tough players who know how to finish the job. Burns, Handzus, Vandermeer — all these guys are great signings, IMO.

If you look at what the Sharks needed coming into this offseason, most would have said something like this

1. top tier help on the blue line, with emphasis on a player who can help Boyle play fewer minutes

2. Toughness for teams that play very physical, including a low end guy who can drop the gloves

3. Some forward help with PK

Which is exactly what DW has done. He addressed the addressable 2010-2011 problems.

Which still leaves open a bunch of issues for this season:
do we have the right goalie?
will the new additions have chemistry?
did we open any new holes?
will the young group that’ll make up most of the 3rd and 4th lines hold up?

And 1 major issue for next:
Can he afford to re-sign 2 key guys who’ll be in line for huge raises?

Going forward, I’d like to see Wellwood back, though he’ll have to come cheap. Last year, Pavs, Mitchell and Wellwood were very effective as our 3rd line — with Pavs actually leading the team in PPG. Wellwood was 5th on the team at +10, in just 35 games — and 1st on our team in +/- in the playoffs. Gotta think TMc would love to have that 3rd line weapon option back in his arsenal.

I’d also like to see Nichol back — 60% face-off guys don’t usually come so cheap. Plus, it always good to have one of those guys who gets under the other team’s skin. Maybe Seto’s unexpected departure will cause DW to rethink Nichol’s release (doubt it — but its possible).

Jeff from NV

Couture is a RFA still, so I’m not too worried about re-signing him at a fair price (3.0-3.5 I hope). I’m just worried about Burns. Now that he is on a good team, its possible he has a career year and goes for the money (See: Campbell)